From the moment the alarm goes off at 5 a.m., you know you’ve got a long day ahead of you. That’s why you shouldn’t overlook one of the most important tools in your toolbox – your work boots. Whether you’re wiring a new home or rewiring an old barn, the right boots will ensure that your feet will be supported and protected throughout the day, so you can focus on getting the job done right the first time.
Handling live wires, working with power tools, walking through mud and gravel or on slippery floors, dodging heavy equipment – as an electrician, you need to be prepared for just about anything on the jobsite.
“Electricians need boots they can trust to keep them as safe as possible on the jobsite, yet are comfortable enough to help them go all day,” said Charley Bryant, Irish Setter product merchant. “Working with powerful voltage and in dangerous circumstances is all part of the job. When you’re working in these conditions, the last thing you want is to be distracted by your boots instead of focusing your attention on the job in front of you.”
Whatever you might be working on, consider these critical factors when selecting your next pair of work boots:
- Safety Requirements
- Traction
- Comfort and Fit
- Waterproofing
SAFETY FIRST
Electricians have as much respect for safety on the job as anyone — arguably more. After all, on any given day you could be working with live wires with the potential to shock, burn, or kill.
You know the power of electricity, and the dangers of other hazards on the job site, so you understand the importance of having tools to minimize your risk of injury. When it comes to your work boots, the most important factor to consider is Electrical Hazard (EH) protection. Irish Setter Kasota boots are engineered with the latest innovations to meet ASTM safety standards for EH protection.
Another critical safety feature to consider is a protective toe cap. While OSHA has no specific requirement for workers in the electrical trades to wear safety toe footwear, your employer may require it as part of their established safety protocols.
According to OSHA, the agency “does not generally consider the wearing of steel-toe shoes by electrical professionals to be hazardous, as long as the conductive portion of the shoe is not in contact with the employee’s foot and is not exposed on the outside of the shoe.” However, another option to consider is non-metallic safety toe caps that provide foot protection but are non-conductive, like those found in Irish Setter Kasota boots.
STEADY THERE
If you’ve been in the business for any length of time, you know that the most common injuries electricians suffer don’t result from electrical mishaps but from slips, trips and falls. That’s why choosing work boots with excellent traction, ankle support and durable soles is critical.
Kasota boots are highly rated for slip resistance. Their TriTek outsole, combined with high-rebound EnrG technology and memory-foam EVA footbed, ensure excellent traction, shock absorption, lateral stability and underfoot comfort. They also feature a tread pattern and lug shape that minimizes debris and mud accumulation.
GO ALL-DAY COMFORT
Being an electrician is hard work and long days can take a toll on your body. Common problems include back strain from bending and working in awkward spaces, repetitive arm stress from pulling heavy wire and foot pain from climbing on ladders or roofs. Because the work demands so much from you, you need support from the ground up.
An electrican’s boots need to be comfortable while still supporting your feet. Look for boots, such as the Crosby from Irish Setter, that are flexible yet stable, well-cushioned, and have sufficient arch support. They’ll help you move more comfortably in multiple positions without unneeded strain on your body – so you can get through your day no matter how long it is.
Crosby boots feature a high-tech composite safety toe and a high-grip Diamond Tred rubber outsole that offers best-in-class oil, heat and chemical resistance. The soles are also resistant to melting, up to a minimum of 475º Fahrenheit. Strategically placed high-rebound ENRG material gives Crosby boots the feel of a high-end athletic shoe, delivering a recharging burst of energy with every step. Their dual-construction combines a welted heel for stability with a cement forefoot for flexibility and comfort.
To make sure your boots fit properly and provide maximum comfort and support, try them on at your local Irish Setter retailer later in the day (afternoon or evening). Most people’s feet swell throughout the day, especially when they’re constantly on their feet. In fact, feet may swell an entire shoe size. So you’ll want to try them on when your feet are their largest. Finally, when you’re trying on new work boots, wear socks that you actually wear on the job.
WET FEET AND ELECTRICITY: NOT GOOD
You can’t expect to make it through your day if your feet are wet and cold — they’ll distract you from the critical work you need to get done. Crosby boots from Irish Setter are available in several waterproof, breathable men’s and women’s styles that keep moisture out while wicking sweat away.
BUYING FOR THE LONG HAUL
Whether you’re wiring a house, upgrading a switching system or replacing a commercial circuit breaker, you’re constantly on the move. Bending, squeezing into hard-to-reach places, hoisting heavy wire, navigating the job site – all can result in wear on your body and on your boots. Irish Setter Crosby work boots are made with full-grain waterproof leather and abrasion-resistant mesh that protect against wear and tear on the job. Built to last, Crosby boots are with you for the long haul, and they meet ATSM safety standards.
Today’s skilled workers have many work boot options to choose from. Buying quality boots, just as with the tools in your toolbelt, is the best long-term investment. For more than 60 years, American workers, farmers and hunters have relied on Irish Setter boots to help them go all day.
LEARN MORE
Visit your nearest Irish Setter retailer or irishsetterboots.com to learn more about the right pair for you.